STARS board approves draft plans for aquatic expansion, keeps option of paid splash pad

The STARS Management Advisory Board on Jan. 15 approved draft plans for a proposed aquatic expansion at the STARS complex in the City of Fort Myers that would add an eight‑lane lap pool, a slide and a splash pad.

Amber Ware, presenting the concept, said the design "is conducive with maintaining public safety" and described a controlled entry and fencing arrangement that would allow the lap pool to be closed separately from the splash pad and kiddie area as needed. Ware told the board the design includes a main paid‑entry kiosk that could grant families access to both the pool and splash pad under a single admission, but staff remain open to alternatives.

The board’s discussion focused on safety, circulation and programming: whether the lap pool and splash pad should be one paid amenity or whether the splash pad should remain free to the public; how after‑school students will access the pool from inside the building; and the narrowed queueing area near the slide stairs, which staff will ask the design team to rework. Ware said lifeguard requirements are governed by the Aquatics program and that lifeguards are funded primarily under the city’s Aquatics budget rather than STARS’ operating budget.

On funding, Ware said the expansion is part of the original capital improvement project budget — not financed through the city’s GO bond — and that $10,000,000 is allocated in this fiscal year to finish design and permitting. She estimated the full expansion would cost about $30,000,000 and be advanced through the 2026 budget cycle.

Board members and staff discussed fees and passes. Ware and staff said daily admissions at city aquatic facilities are modest and that programmatic passes are available across pools; staff committed to provide exact annual‑pass pricing to the board. Several members supported a modest admission to help manage demand and to fund maintenance and supervision, with the possibility of special free public events.

A motion to approve the draft plans as presented carried by voice vote. Staff were asked to return with larger site plans showing parking, pedestrian circulation and final life‑safety fencing, and to continue public meetings on programming before final design.

Next steps: staff will refine the design to address queueing and entry concerns, confirm the access and fencing plan with the design team, provide precise pass pricing, and bring the updated documents back to the board before final approval.